Christmas market tragedy: Anti-Islamist suspect in custody
The perpetrator of the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, which resulted in at least two deaths and dozens of injuries, is a doctor and anti-Islamist who came to Germany in 2006 from Saudi Arabia, according to German media and the British BBC.
Media reports indicate that the attacker held a negative stance toward Islamists. As "Spiegel" notes, he assisted former Muslims, especially women, in leaving Saudi Arabia after they distanced themselves from religious orthodoxy.
According to the Tagesspiegel portal, in June he accused the German police of being the "real engine" of Islamism in Germany. The BBC also reports that the suspect "have been critical of Islam."
Analyzing his social media activity revealed that on the portal X, he supported the anti-immigration party AfD and posted comments in support of figures like Elon Musk.
The 50-year-old specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi city of Hofuf moved to Germany in 2006 and lived in Bernburg. Since 2016, he has been recognized as a refugee.
Tragedy at the market
The attack occurred on Friday just after 1 PM Eastern Time. The assailant drove into a crowd of people attending the Christmas market. According to local police, officers managed to detain the attacker.
Footage of the suspect's detention quickly spread on social media. It shows the man lying on the sidewalk next to a black car, surrounded by several police officers. The officers instructed witnesses not to approach the scene.
According to the latest information, two people, including a child, were killed in the attack, and dozens were injured.
